Oprelvekin (By injection)
oh-PREL-ve-kin
Prevents blood disorders that can be caused by some cancer medicines.
Drug classes
Hematopoietic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Oprelvekin is a synthetic (man-made) version of a substance called interleukin-11. Naturally occurring interleukin-11 is produced by bone marrow cells in the body and helps to make platelets, which are necessary for proper clotting of blood. Oprelvekin is used to help prevent low platelet counts caused by treatment with some cancer medicines.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver. This medicine is usually given within one day after you receive chemotherapy.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. Use a new bottle of oprelvekin and a new bottle of sterile water for injection to prepare each dose.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
Call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Use any mixed medicine as soon as possible. It may be stored in the bottle either in the refrigerator or at room temperature, but must be used within 3 hours after mixing. Do not store the mixed medicine in a syringe. Do not freeze or shake the mixed medicine.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Keep all medicine away from children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using diuretics or “water pills” (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®).
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to oprelvekin.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, brain tumor, head injury, or kidney disease.
Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Fainting or feeling flush
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Numbness, tingling, or cold feeling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Ongoing headache, especially if you also have problems with your vision
Rapid weight gain
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Trouble breathing
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain or upset
Muscle or bone pain
Nervousness
Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
Trouble sleeping
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Neumega
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
